28

Sep

I’m probably one of the most bias people on earth in regards to this subject. Should you send out your wedding invitations via the internet? NO! I know it may sound like a good idea, but it can cause more trouble than it’s worth. Just listen to what my etiquette bible (Emily Post’s Etiquette, 18th Edition) has to say on the subject…

They sound so practical, thrifty and green–and they are. If those were the only criteria for sending electronic wedding invitations, they’d be used by more couples. If you’re intriqued by the concept, consider these points:

Do all your guests use email and check it regularly? This may be the case for your younger guests, but not for yout Great-Aunt Sadie. Some services also require Internet access to view and respond to the invitation. You may end up having to print some invitations and mail them, which could cut down on the convenience factor.

Will it get delivered? While posted snail mail has been known to go astray, emails can fall victim to misspelled addresses and spam blockers.

Is it personal and special enough? A wedding invitation is one of the most personal invitations issued, and an electronic version may not convey that sentiment. Its ephemeral nature doesn’t give it keepsake status.

Will it make responding easier or more timely? Not necessarily. The good guest will respond right away, no matter how the invitation is issued. Butt for the rest of the world, unless you set up reminders (and don’t set them for two days before the wedding!) once the email notice falls below the screen, it may be out of sight, out of mind. Follow-up phone calls are likely.